Explore the best rated trails in Tomahawk, WI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bearskin State Trail and Plum Lake Trail . With more than 18 trails covering 436 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I rode this trail once to complete the last section of the 52 miles of the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System. The 2 1/2 mile section that is right next to the Manitowish Waters trail is excellent. From the Town Hall on Hwy 51,go west and cross the Manitowish river, then cross Co. Hwy 51. Follow the trail until you come out at Angler's bar. This section is filled with woods and a bridge and is so fun to ride through. It shouldn't be missed, it is beautiful. I would pass on the rest of the trail as you head west. It gets worse and worse as you ride. They have you going on a lot of access roads that are really boring. Once you get to Mercer there is another really boring road to ride on going into town. My advice would be to ride the first part of this trail until it connects back up to the Manitowish Waters trail at Angler's bar. Then continue on the Manitowish Waters trail and even the Crystal Lake trail, they are both outstanding and way better than the western part of the Mercer trail.
Beautiful fall colors this weekend. We had a great walk along this awesome trail
I biked most of the length of the trail while on a long-distance tour. With 1.5" tires it was challenging to get through, and sometimes nearly impassable. The gravel shoulder of Highway 13 is easier traveling, honestly. The surface isn't crushed limestone. It's made of loose gravel and stones up to 1"—basically the same as the ag roads in the area. I would only recommend this if you are on an unloaded mountain bike or fat tire bike.
That said, it is flat, straight, and low-traffic in a beautiful area.
Narrow, (Six foot wide) paved path follows natural contours of land. Short but steep hills, blind corners. Utility poles situated in path in some areas.Runs alongside busy roadways. Frightening, expected head on crash.
Smooth, paved surface but only 8 ft wide. Follows natural contours ( more uneven than road contours) . Varies from curvy paths through park like woodlands, to rough ( but new) bridges at the bottom of short but steep hills.
Went from Oshkosh to Hortonville for a total of 44 miles. Very good shape and little bike traffic. Really enjoyed the ride. Limited amenities along the trail.
The trail was beautiful and pristine! Stayed at Big Lake so I was able to travel to MW and BJ. Both cute cites with things to do. While on the trail the maintenance crew was tending to it cutting, raking and blowing debris away. A must ride!
We parked at North Lakeland Discovery Center. There was ample parking and bathrooms. We rode east 3 miles until a thunderstorm turned us around. The trail is paved asphalt and well maintained. It is a a flat easy ride. The only negative was that it followed the road and was not as scenic as we had hoped. Very little of the short section we rode was in the woods. Just be prepared for seeing traffic next to the trail. Overall, it was a nice ride that we would do again.
We rode from Sayner to County Roads M & N. Beautiful trail winding through several pine woods. Kudos to Vilas County for providing extremely well-maintained paved bike trails! We will definitely return to bike more of the trails.
The Bearskin trail is lovely from the trailheads between Old Hwy K and Minoqua. However, many people are under the impression it continues into Tomahawk. It doesn't as railroad grade riding. The 5 mile stretch between Highway K and Lake Nakona Rd north of Tomahawk is hilly County road and highway riding. Fine enough for what it is, but for a family ride with younger children, not appropriate.
Beautiful Northwoods bike trail. Lots of wildflowers blooming in the open areas. The last couple of miles riding into Phelps is hilly & paved-ends at the lakefront & treated ourselves to ice cream with homemade waffle cones
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